Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced that legislation he is sponsoring on behalf of the New York Libraries Association (NYLA) passed the Assembly on April 30, 2014. Assembly Bill 8732 extends provisions of the public library construction grant program until March 31, 2020. This legislation, sponsored by the Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Hugh Farley, passed the Senate earlier this Session (S.6239).

“As Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, I was pleased to work with the NYLA in advancing this legislation, which is one of NYLA’s legislative priorities for the 2014 Session, to better address the needs of libraries.” said Assemblyman Thiele.

Chapter 498 of the Laws of 2011 was enacted to change the way that public library construction grants are used and awarded. It changed the matching threshold from 50%/50% to 75%/25% for public libraries in “economically disadvantaged communities” to make it easier to receive much-needed construction grants. This new law also permitted the funds to be used to purchase vacant land which can be a very important mechanism for potential neighborhood revitalization projects in abandoned city centers. The provisions of Chapter 498 are currently set to expire on March 31, 2015.

However, some communities have had difficulties in meeting the previous 50% match requirement for existing critical infrastructure needs, let alone new construction. Assemblyman Thiele’s bill, A.8732, would extend the current provisions until March 31, 2020 in order to retain the current program guidelines on matching requirements to ensure libraries in economically disadvantaged areas are given ample time to be able to make needed capital improvements.

Assemblyman Thiele said, “The Public Library Construction Grant Program truly is a wonderful program. Libraries like the Center Moriches Free Public Library, John Jermain Memorial Library, and Rogers Memorial Library have all received grants though this program. We should be doing everything in our power to encourage and incentivized libraries to apply for these grants and improve their facilities.”

New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $2.53 billion. More than 40% of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 30% are more than three decades old. Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, cannot provide Internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring, and do not have sufficient space to house the library’s expanding collection, address the need for adequate meeting room, or provide for public access computers.

This legislation will soon be before the Governor for his executive action.